Utah death-row prisoner released after new DNA analysis of 1985 killing
Douglas Carter, a 71-year-old man who spent four decades on death row, has been released on bail following new DNA evidence that excludes him from a 1985 homicide. While the judge noted that a jury could still potentially convict him, the new findings have significantly weakened the state's case.
Why it matters
This case highlights ongoing issues regarding wrongful convictions, the reliability of coerced confessions, and the critical role of forensic DNA analysis in judicial reviews.
Douglas Carter after a judge ordered his release on Monday. Douglas Carter after a judge ordered his release on Monday. Utah Utah death-row prisoner released after new DNA analysis of 1985 killing Douglas Carter, 71, who has spent more than four decades on death row, released on bail until new trial begins
Prefer the Guardian on Google A Utah man who has spent more than four decades on death row was released from jail after newly analyzed DNA evidence showed that he was not connected to a 1985 homicide.
Douglas Stewart Carter, now 71, walked out of the Utah county jail late on Monday night after a judge ordered his release on bail. He will have to wear a GPS monitoring device until a new trial begins.
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